Forest Service Centennial Celebration Tuesday At Clemmons Educational State Forest

The N.C. Forest Service will celebrate its 100th anniversary with an open house Tuesday, Aug. 25 at Clemmons Educational State Forest in Clayton.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler will open the event at 10 a.m. by presenting a proclamation from Gov. Pat McCrory recognizing the N.C. Forest Service for its century of service to the state.

Firefighting equipment and exhibits will be on display at the event. The forest and the Clemmons Forestry Center will be open for people to walk through and learn about forestry in North Carolina.

“The N.C. Forest Service has spent the past 100 years serving the people of North Carolina,” Troxler said. “In addition to working tirelessly to prevent and fight wildfires, the Forest Service helps thousands of people each year grow good, marketable timber and contribute to our economy.”

State Forester David Lane said the educational state forest is an appropriate place to highlight the Forest Service’s mission of protecting, managing and promoting the state’s forest resources. “The N.C. Forest Service has provided invaluable service to the state in its first century, and we look forward to leaving a strong forest legacy for future generations to enjoy,” Lane said.

The General Assembly created the N.C. Forest Service in 1915, and John Simcox Holmes was appointed the first state forester. Today, the Forest Service has more than 650 employees working in communities throughout the state.